Evil Does Not Exist

Takumi and his daughter Hana enjoy a peaceful life in the winter forest of Mizubiki. Their days unfold in tranquility, surrounded by the beauty of nature, occasionally interrupted by the distant sounds of deer hunting.

During a tense community meeting, Takumi and other villagers confront representatives from a glamping company presenting their development proposal. The townspeople express deep concerns about the potential environmental impact of the project, particularly on their water supply.

As the meeting progresses, the villagers' worries grow as they cite issues with septic tank capacity that could contaminate their well water. Takumi's steadfastness represents the collective voice of the community, urging for a reconsideration of the project's viability.

Initially, the glamping representatives, Takahashi and Mayuzumi, dismiss the villagers' concerns. However, as they listen more intently to the locals, they begin to empathize with their fears about the environmental consequences of the development.

Under pressure from their superior, Takahashi and Mayuzumi decide to sidestep the concerns and instead try to win over Takumi with gifts. They offer him a position as caretaker for the glamping site, hoping to sway his opinion.

As time passes, Takahashi starts to embrace village culture, moving away from his corporate life. He seeks Takumi's guidance, signaling a shift in his attitude as he begins to understand the importance of community and nature.

On a scenic drive, Takumi shares a story about wild deer with Takahashi, explaining how even gentle creatures can become dangerous when threatened. Their discussion reflects the fragile balance between humanity and nature, highlighted by the sounds of a distant gunshot.

Night falls over Mizubiki, and a wave of panic erupts when it’s discovered that Hana is missing. Takumi partners with Takahashi as they rally the community to search for her, fueled by urgency and fear.

Takumi and Takahashi embark on a perilous journey into the dark forest, driven by desperate hope. As they traverse deeper into the wilderness, their resolve and urgency intensify with each passing moment.

Within a moonlit clearing, they stumble upon Hana, unexpectedly standing near a wounded deer and its calf. The sight serves as a harsh reminder of the brutal realities lurking beyond their rural lives.

As Takahashi instinctively moves to help the deer, Takumi reacts fiercely, tackling Takahashi to the ground. In this shocking moment, the grave truth is revealed: Hana is indeed lifeless, starkly emphasizing the dangers they have faced.

Grief-stricken, Takumi gathers his daughter’s body, making a frantic escape into the dark forest. The shadows engulf him as he realizes the tragic outcome of their search, marking a heart-wrenching moment in his life.

As Takumi rushes into the depths of the forest, Takahashi struggles to rise from the ground. The treacherous terrain seems to conspire against him, leaving him grappling with the heavy implications of the tragic events that have unfolded.

With the village now shrouded in sorrow, the relentless shadows surround Takahashi, echoing only the sounds of fading footsteps and labored breaths. The desperate search ends in heartbreak, illustrating the merciless hand of fate.